Correspondence Between President Harry S. Truman and Gilmore Clarke

December 2, 1947 My dear Mr. Clarke: I read your letter of November twenty-sixth with a great deal of interest and some surprise. My understanding was when the matter was discussed with you with regard to the arrangement on the south portico that when Mr. Delano made up his mind, the situation would be satisfactory to you. Now you confess that you hoped he would make up his mind in a manner that you approved of and that you didn't enter into the matter at all with an open mind - that is a great state- ment for the Chairman of The Commission of Fine Arts to send to the President. I can't understand your viewpoint when those dirty awnings are a perfect eyesore with regard to that south portico. I have had them painted; have had them washed and they have been renewed every year and still they look like hell when they are on the porch. Of course, I wouldn't expect you to take into consideration the comfort and convenience of the Presidential family in this ar- rangement. The President is not to be considered but the outside appearance of The White House it seems to me is your principal reason for existence and I can't see how anybody could come to a conclusion that those dirty awnings are better looking than an ar- rangement which is approved by The White House architect and by Mr. Delano. I certainly would like to have your reasons for preferring the dirty awnings to the good looking convenient portico and then maybe I*ll come to a conclusion on the subject. I don't make up my mind in advance. However, I*ll have to be convinced. Sincerely yours, Honorable Gilmore D. Clarke HARRY S. TRUMAN Chairman The Commission of Fine Arts TROWAN s Washington, D. C. SERVICE Cs.